Florence was hurt during a freesurf after being eliminated in Round 3 of the Corona Bali Protected, Ibelli broke his foot earlier in the year during a warm-up session at Margaret River, while Slater’s foot issues plagued him during an initial attempt to return to the tour at the Corona Open J-Bay – Men’s and the Surf Ranch Pro.

When returning from injury the situations are subject to change, but this would mark the first time all three have been in a CT event together during the 2018 season.

Adriano de Souza is out of the event due to a knee injury he sustained at the MEO Rip Curl Pro earlier this month. Brazilian Miguel Pupo will take his place in Round 1, Heat 2.

Gabriel Medina en route to his 2014 World Title. WSL / LAURENT MASURELTwo Wildcard spots will be awarded based off of the local Trials event prior to the official competition.

The Trial is a qualifying event that takes place in advance of the Pipe Masters, giving a shot to local talent and pipe specialists to compete against the worlds best.

Heading into the Pipe Masters, Gabriel Medina will be leading the rankings followed by Julian Wilson and Filipe Toledo who are both locked in a tie for second.

The Title will come down to Pipe – but with the return of a few key players, upsets are likely.

If Medina finishes 1st or 2nd, he will win his second World Title.

Only if Medina finishes 3rd or worse will Toledo or Wilson have a shot.

If Medina finishes 3rd, one of them needs to win the event in order to win the Title.

And if Medina finishes 5th or worse, Toledo or Wilson need to finish 1st or 2nd to claim the Title.

John Florence at Backdoor during his 2017 World Title run.WSL / KELLY CESTARIBillabong Pipe Masters Round 1 Matchups: